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Short Answer Questions: Outcomes of Democracy

Question 1: What are the key expectations from democracy as a form of government?

Democracy is expected to promote equality among citizens, enhance the dignity of individuals, improve decision-making quality, provide methods to resolve conflicts, and allow room for correcting mistakes. It creates conditions for citizens to achieve goals but does not guarantee solutions to all socio-economic and political problems.

Question 2: Why is democracy considered better in principle but often criticized in practice?

Democracy is seen as good in principle because it promotes equality, dignity, and conflict resolution. However, in practice, many people are dissatisfied as it may not fully meet expectations. This dilemma arises from high fascination with democracy, leading to blame on the system when issues persist.

Question 3: How does democracy ensure accountable and responsive government?

Democracy produces governments accountable to citizens through regular free and fair elections, public debates, and right to information. It allows participation in decision-making. Though decisions may be delayed due to deliberation, they are more acceptable and effective, ensuring transparency and mechanisms for accountability.

Question 4: Is democratic government efficient compared to non-democratic ones?

Non-democratic governments may decide quickly without deliberation, but democratic ones, based on negotiation, ensure acceptable decisions. The cost of time in democracy is worth it as it avoids problems from unaccepted decisions, making it more effective despite delays.

Question 5: What practices indicate a government is accountable in a democracy?

Key practices include regular free and fair elections, open public debates on policies, and citizens' right to information. Democracies succeed in elections and debates but often fall short in fair chances and information sharing, yet they are better than non-democracies.

Question 6: Why is democracy considered legitimate?

Democratic government is legitimate as it is people's own, elected by them. Despite being slow or less responsive, it enjoys overwhelming support worldwide. People believe democracy suits their country and prefer rule by elected leaders, generating its own support.

Question 7: What is the relationship between democracy and economic growth?

Between 1950-2000, dictatorships showed slightly higher growth rates than democracies, but differences are negligible in poor countries. Economic development depends on factors like population and global cooperation. Democracy does not guarantee growth but has other positive outcomes.

Question 8: Do democracies reduce economic inequalities?

Democracies often fail to reduce inequalities; ultra-rich hold disproportionate wealth while the poor's incomes decline. Despite political equality, economic disparities grow. Governments address poverty poorly, and poor countries depend on rich ones for aid.

Question 9: How do democracies accommodate social diversity?

Democracies develop procedures to conduct competition, reducing tensions. They negotiate differences, as in Belgium. Majority must work with minority; rule by majority should not oppress minorities. Every citizen has a chance to be in majority.

Question 10: What role does democracy play in promoting dignity and freedom?

Democracy promotes individual dignity and freedom by recognizing equality. It strengthens claims of disadvantaged groups like women and castes against historical domination. Public expression of dissatisfaction shows success, transforming subjects into citizens who value their rights.

Question 11: Why do people have complaints about democracy?

As people gain benefits from democracy, they demand more, leading to expectations and complaints. This ongoing examination shows democracy's success; complaints indicate awareness and critical evaluation of power holders, affirming citizen engagement.

Question 12: What evidence shows support for democracy in South Asia?

Surveys indicate overwhelming support; most prefer democracy over dictatorship and believe it suits their country. High agreement on rule by elected leaders exists, even in non-democratic regimes, showing democracy generates its own legitimacy.

Question 13: How does transparency work in democratic governments?

Citizens can examine decision-making processes, ensuring norms are followed. Right to information allows checking procedures. Though not always perfect, democracies are better than non-democracies in providing this, holding governments accountable.

Question 14: Why can't democracy alone guarantee economic development?

Development depends on multiple factors like population size, global situation, and economic priorities. While dictatorships may show higher growth, differences are minimal. Democracy offers other benefits like legitimacy and freedom despite not ensuring superior economic performance.

Question 15: Give examples of income inequality in democracies.

In South Africa and Brazil, top 20% take over 60% of income, leaving bottom 20% with less than 3%. Denmark and Hungary fare better with more equal distribution. This shows democracies can have high inequalities despite political equality.

Question 16: How does democracy handle social conflicts?

No society permanently resolves conflicts, but democracies negotiate differences and respect them. They reduce explosive tensions through procedures. Non-democracies often suppress divisions. Examples like Sri Lanka show need for majority-minority cooperation.

Question 17: What makes democracy superior in promoting individual dignity?

It recognizes equality, allowing struggles against disrespect, as in women's and caste movements. In non-democracies, such principles lack legal force. Democracy empowers disadvantaged to claim equal status, though full realization varies.

Question 18: Why is public dissatisfaction a sign of democratic success?

Complaints show people are aware, expect more, and critically evaluate leaders. This transforms them from subjects to citizens. Belief that votes matter indicates democracy's efficacy in fostering engagement and self-interest awareness.

Question 19: Discuss the role of citizens in achieving democratic outcomes.

Democracy creates conditions for goals like development or equality, but citizens must utilize them. It doesn't solve all problems automatically. Active participation, using rights, and holding governments accountable are essential for realizing expectations.

Question 20: What criteria can be used to assess democracy beyond economic growth?

Assess through accountable government, social accommodation, dignity, and freedom. Democracy excels in legitimacy, transparency, and handling diversity, even if economic records vary. Complaints and expectations indicate ongoing improvement and citizen empowerment.